Olympus SP-550 UZ

Value
The Olympus SP-550UZ will retail at $499 when it becomes available in March. This seems to be a bit steep, even though the camera does have the world’s first 18x optical zoom lens (on a compact digital camera), and new gadgets generally go for a premium. However, there are a handful of drawbacks that stand out at that price. The camera has 7 megapixels, which is certainly sufficient for most users, but this is a bit below top priced compact cameras, which now commonly pack 8 to 10-megapixel image sensors. The burst mode, while creative in its options, is slow at full resolution, and there was a significant amount of shutter lag in the pre-production model we evaluated. If not improved in the final firmware, this would make if difficult to justify a $500 price tag.  In the end, image quality will ultimately determine the true value of the camera. However, it appears the SP-550UZ will be a top competitor in the ultra zoom styling this year.

Comparison to the Olympus SP-500UZ
Debuting in August 2005, the Olympus SP-500UZ has 6 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom lens in a cheaply made body. The exposure modes have the same manual to automatic range complete with priority and scene modes. The lens on the SP-500 is much shorter, and it doesn’t have an image stabilization system. Both cameras have a 2.5-inch LCD screen, but the old model doesn’t have as wide a view and has half the resolution. Both cameras have pop-up flash units, but they don’t even look related. The old SP-500 has a rectangular-shaped box that pops out but not very high. It wasn’t very effective and it wasn’t very sturdy either. The flash didn’t fit nicely into the casing so users had to jiggle it to push it back in. The Olympus SP-500 had a boxy design that wasn’t as pleasant to look at or handle, and its cheap look accurately described the pictures that came out of it. They had inaccurate colors, poor resolution, and lots of noise. It took 2.8 seconds to start up, and it had 0.2 seconds of shutter lag. The Olympus SP-500 originally retailed for $379.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Consumers who are familiar with Olympus cameras may be able to make the transition to this camera easier, but in general, point-and-shooters will want to avoid this confusing camera.

Budget Consumers – The $499 price tag is a bit steep for these consumers, who may have to pass up the 18x zoom lens for something more affordable.

Gadget Freaks – These consumers may be wowed by the 18x powerful lens but will be disappointed with the other gimmicks: the pre-capture mode and "15 fps burst mode" with limited resolution.

Manual Control Freaks – The Olympus SP-550UZ has manual controls, but they aren’t as easy to access as ones on a DSLR. Still, they are all there so control freaks may take a peek at it.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Hobbyists may be interested in the Olympus SP-550UZ as long as they don’t need to shoot action. It has a terrible burst mode but makes a better portrait camera with its ability to sync with up to 10 slave flashes.